EPD team leader tagged in extortion still at large

MANILA, Philippines — The team leader of the Eastern Police District’s DSOU or district special operations unit allegedly involved in extortion and illegal arrest of a Chinese businessman in Las Piñas remains at large.

Maj. Emerson Coballes went AWOL or absent without official leave after the incident and has yet to be located, according to National Capital Region Police Office deputy regional director for administration Brig. Gen. Rogelio Penones Jr.

“Coballes was not present during the actual operation, but he is the designated team leader. We are still looking for him,” Penones said at a press briefing.

Eight DSOU personnel have been placed under restrictive custody after being implicated in the unauthorized operation against Chinese businessman Jei Li on April 2.

The operation raised red flags after police claimed that Jei offered them P14 million in bribe.

However, the arrest warrant served on Jei was issued for a bailable offense, with an amount of P200,000.

Penones said the motive behind the operation appears to be robbery and extortion.

Investigation also showed that the suspect arrested during the operation was not the real Jei Li, who was apprehended by the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in March 2023, pointing to a case of mistaken identity.

Of the eight DSOU officers, four have pending administrative cases.

Inspector General Brigido Dulay of the Philippine National Police(PNP) Internal Affairs Service said the police personnel are facing complaints for serious illegal detention, kidnapping, robbery and unlawful arrest.

Meanwhile, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla maintained that only one percent of the 226,000 personnel of the PNP are considered “bad eggs.”

“Ninety-nine percent of the PNP members are good persons. They are honest in their responsibility to serve, except one percent, including the 29 we jailed in January because of illegal drugs and these (eight EPD officers),” Remulla told reporters.

Marcos to promoted PNP execs: Uphold integrity

Thirty-nine newly promoted star-ranked officers of the PNP took their oath before President Marcos at Malacañang yesterday.

Marcos ordered the PNP officials to fulfill their duties with integrity, competence and trustworthiness.

“Filipinos expect to live in a safe, fair and just environment where peace and order are observed while upholding the rights and dignity of all citizens,” Marcos said.

The newly promoted PNP officers include four lieutenant generals, 11 major generals and 24 police brigadier generals.

Among those who took their oath of office were CIDG chief Maj. Gen. Nicolas Torre III, former PNP spokesman Lt. Gen. Bernard Banac and PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo. — Helen Flores, Bella Cariaso